Communications Server for Windows offers reliable and security-enhanced support for e-business
networks. It connects users to enterprise host applications and data over diverse networks 
whether SNA, TCP/IP, intranet, extranet, or Internet. You choose applications based on your
business needs, not on your network protocols.

Communications Server for Windows, V6.1.2 is a cumulative service release that also includes support
for new Microsoft Windows operating systems, Windows 2003 and Windows XP. Support for Microsoft
Windows NT will no longer be available.

Communications Server for Windows maintains all the robust functional capabilities included in the
previous version of Communications Server for Windows NT and Windows 2000, including support for the
Windows 2000 operating system.

The SNA stack is enhanced to improve Enterprise Extender functionality and handling of LAN adapter
configuration for Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP Professional. Other SNA enhancements are also
included.

Communications Server for Windows provides all-in-one communications
services between workstations and a host system, as well as other
workstations. Capabilities include:

Full function SNA gateway

Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking® system

Support for many types of connectivities

Rich set of APIs

Support of SNA is based on long experience of IBM as the architect and
developer of this important protocol. In addition, Communications Server
can open the door to protocol-independent networking, with seamless
support for workstations communicating across SNA and TCP/IP networks.
Companies can gain the freedom to be responsive to the changing demands
of business applications, while minimizing network impact.

What's new in Communications Server for Windows, V6.1.2

Support for Windows NT is no longer provided by Microsoft. Support for Windows NT will not be
available from IBM, effective December 19, 2003.

Specified operating environment

Hardware requirements

Communications Server for Windows, V6.1.2 runs on any Intel-based system supported by
Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, or Windows XP Professional. A PC with an Intel
Pentium processor at 100 MHz and a 64 MB of RAM is the minimum recommended server
hardware. Depending on the network environment and Windows platform used (workstation vs. server),
a faster processor and larger memory may be necessary.

Disk space of 25 MB is required on a startup drive for temporary use and 125 MB on any HDD for
permanent use.

SNA API clients run on any hardware required by Windows 2000 or Windows XP (Intel only).

Communications Server for Windows is also compatible with a wide variety of LAN adapters including
many adapters with NDIS drivers supported by Windows.

Not all of the adapters are supported on Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows 2003 platforms.
Contact the adapter vendor for specific information.

Communications Server for Windows, V6.1.2 includes several adapter device drivers from hardware
vendors for support of their cards. These drivers have been validated by IBM, or respective OEM,
with the Communications Server and are supplied as a convenience. The drivers are supported solely
by the adapter card vendors. Before installing any driver, refer to the README file in each
driver's installation directory for configuration guidance, adapter restrictions, licensing
information, and support contracts.

Software requirements:
Communications Server for Windows requires one of the following operating systems:

Windows 2000 Professional, Server, or Advanced Server

Windows XP Professional

Windows 2003 Standard Edition or Enterprise Edition

Additionally:

TCP/IP is required for TN3270E and TN5250 servers.

TCP/IP is required for communications with the SNA API clients.

SNA API clients require either:

Windows 2000 Professional, Server, or Advanced Server

Windows XP Professional

Windows 2003 Standard Edition or Enterprise Edition

TCP/IP for communications with Communications Server for Windows

Web administration requires a Web server running on a Communications Server for Windows system and a
Web browser running on any system on the intranet. Communications between the systems must use
sockets over SNA or TCP/IP.

Supported Web servers include current versions of:

IBM HTTP Web Server V1.3.3, or later

Lotus® Domino R5 (V5.0.1, or later) Web Server on Windows

Lotus Go Web Server V4.6.2.5, or later

Microsoft IIS V5.0 on Windows 2000, or later

Netscape Enterprise Server V4.0, or later

Supported Web browsers include:

Netscape Navigator V4.7, or later

Microsoft Internet Explorer V6.0, or later

Many other functions and features of Communications Server for Windows require a Web browser. Any
Web browser used must support HTML 3.0 documents.

Limitations

Runs only on the Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP Professional operating system in
the Intel environments.

Cannot be installed successfully on a machine that has Microsoft SNA Server installed.

Does not provide the link control protocol (LCP) required to support a point-to-point protocol (PPP)
connection between the server and a modem for ISDN connections. If the modem provides the LCP
independently from the application support, the connection will work properly.

Passport Advantage media packs

Existing customers

The Communications Server for Windows, V6.1.2 can be downloaded from the IBM Software Internet
Service Delivery site if you have a license for the Communications Server for Windows NT and Windows
2000. To download the latest service updates for Communications Server, register with the IBM
Software Internet Service Delivery site at:

The Communications Server for Windows NT and Windows 2000 had a Service
Key card, included within the product contents, containing a 10-digit
key. This 10-digit key is used when registering to download the latest
level of the Communications Server for Windows.

Effective July 31, 2002, Technical Support for Communications Server for Windows NT and
Windows 2000 was extended from September 29, 2002, to December 31, 2003. Refer
to Software Announcement
201-204
, dated July 31, 2002.

Effective April 22, 2003, Technical Support for Communications Server for Windows 2000 was
extended from December 31, 2003, to December 31, 2004. Support for Windows NT
was not included in this extension. Refer to Software Announcement
203-105
, dated April 22, 2003.

The IBM policy for International Program License Agreement (IPLA) software is:

Publish a notice of withdrawal of support for a product at least 12 months prior to the effective
withdrawal date.

Align product withdrawals from support to occur on common dates in the months of April or
September.

IBM Global Financing offers competitive financing to credit-qualified customers to assist them in
acquiring IT solutions. Offerings include financing for IT acquisition, including hardware,
software, and services, both from IBM and other manufacturers or vendors. Offerings (for all
customer segments: small, medium, and large enterprise), rates, terms, and availability can vary by
country. Contact your local IBM Global Financing organization or visit:

IBM Global Financing offerings are provided through IBM Credit LLC in the
United States and other IBM subsidiaries and divisions worldwide to
qualified commercial and government customers. Rates are based on a
customer's credit rating, financing terms, offering type, equipment type
and options, and may vary by country. Other restrictions may apply.
Rates and offerings are subject to change, extension, or withdrawal
without notice.